Islam Makhachev Vacates UFC Title: Exciting Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira Showdown Set for UFC 317!

Ilia Topuria’s path in the UFC just became clearer.

Dana White, the CEO of UFC, made an exciting announcement recently. This summer will kick off with a major event: UFC 317 on June 29. In this fight, we’ll see Topuria, a former featherweight champion, face off against Charles Oliveira, a former lightweight champion, for the vacant lightweight title. Oliveira, who has a record of 35 wins and 10 losses, is eager to reclaim his title after previously winning it in 2021.

Topuria, on the other hand, is undefeated with a record of 16-0. He has had a stellar rise in the UFC, recently claiming victory against top fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. His stunning performance earned him the 2024 Fighter of the Year from Uncrowned. Now, he’s stepping into the lightweight division after vacating his featherweight title.

Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev, who was the lightweight champion, has decided to move up in weight. He’s set to challenge new welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later in 2025. At just 33 years old, Makhachev is currently ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter, a title he has held with distinction.

In the co-main event of UFC 317, Alexandre Pantoja will defend his men’s flyweight title against Kai Kara-France. This matchup is a rematch from their previous encounter in 2016 on “The Ultimate Fighter 24,” which Pantoja won.

On August 16, UFC 319 will bring an anticipated fight between middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev has quickly made a name for himself by winning both of his fights at middleweight, including a decisive win over former champion Robert Whittaker.

Social media buzz around these announcements has been electric, with fans expressing excitement and anticipation for these high-stakes matchups. UFC events continue to capture the spotlight in the world of sports, showcasing some of the best talent and rising stars in mixed martial arts.

Overall, the upcoming fight cards promise to deliver thrilling moments, and Topuria’s move up the ranks adds an intriguing layer to the lightweight division. As more fans tune in, the dynamics in these weight classes will be worth watching closely.



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Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira, UFC, Dana White, featherweight champion, Islam Makhachev, lightweight division, Chris Unger, Beneil Dariush